History of the International Association of Fire Fighters and their Research Paper

History of the International Association of Fire Fighters and their influence today - Research Paper Example IAFF has played a crucial role in managing human resources in the fire fighting industry. The union has managed to improve the working conditions of fire fighters to an extent that it is a reliable and dependable profession. The safety of the fire fighters has been at the fore of the objectives of the union. It has focused on fighting for better wages, compensation benefits for occupational deaths and enhancing fire fighters’ skills in fighting fires. IAFF has elevated itself to a position of great influence in today’s society. This report will cover the progress made by the union since its inception in 1918 and show how such progress has changed the fire fighting profession for better. In this report, two major issues are discussed – the history of IAFF and its influence today. In discussing the history of IAFF, the milestones the union has made since its inception are highlighted. The union has been quite active and has succeeded in making great achievements. This report only highlights a handful of the achievements. On the second section, the influence of IAFF is discussed. IAFF’s influence is discussed from two perspectives – the policies it has necessitated to be enacted, and the programs and services it offers to its membership. These two have greatly changed the face of fire fighting profession and made it an integral part of the society. The history of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is long and one that bears witness to the benefits of a continuous improvement of human resources. This association has its headquarters in Washington, DC. The association membership is more than 300, 000. The association has greatly influenced advances in the fire fighting industry and is highly credited for tremendously securing the working conditions of fire fighters. It has continuously done this by lobbying the legislature to pass laws that protect fire fighters and developing training for the fire fighters (IAFF,

Philosophy Communication Barriers Essay Example for Free

Philosophy Communication Barriers Essay (a) How does James think of my intending to say something? Does he think of it as a process in consciousness? James argues that our phrasing â€Å"intended to say† is an almost wrong explanation on a subconscious or even psychic thing that it happening within our minds.   The point is that we never consciously form the words in our minds or even draw upon our memory banks to call to mind images of the thing that we mean to say. Instead, it is an unconscious function of the mind that we hear something and choose to respond to it with some form of language. In the event that the language we choose is wrong, we often react with the phrase. â€Å"What I meant to say was†¦Ã¢â‚¬  James argues that this happens when the precognition of our own mind fails to work rapidly enough to anticipate the reaction of the person we are speaking to and choose the proper words to convey to a thought stream to that specific person. On the most basic level, it means that our minds did not act quickly enough to substitute the proper word into a sentence. For example, imagine talking to your best friend about her sister. The intended sentence would be, â€Å"How’s she doing?† As the speaker you would not have planned out the conversation or thought specifically about what to ask, but when you speak and say, â€Å"How’s he doing?† the immediate response is to say, ‘I meant she. How’s she doing?’ there is never a point at which the conscious mind stops and chooses the words to use. This might therefore make an interesting discussion for linguists and psychologists to determine how speech actually happens. James argues that it is a subconscious thing, which implies then that speech is a learned ability you can train the subconscious mind. Take for example learning to speak another language fluently.   Teachers argue that you cannot speak another language fluently until you can think in that language. The premise is basically the same as what James has argues. If you are completely fluent in the language and someone asks,   â€Å"Que es el nombre del gato?† You will be responding with the cat’s name before the image of the cat is even called to mind. If you are less than fluent, you will need to translate the question before you can answer, thus moving the response from the subconscious speech centers to the conscious mind. [(b) Can the arguments Wittgenstein employs against the idea that understanding words is a conscious process be adapted to show that intending or meaning to say words is not a conscious process that begins before I say them   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wittgenstein argues that the meaning of a word is defined as we use it, not by some memory flash card system begun when we are children.   This then would explain in English the tendency to crease euphemisms and phrases which cannot be translated literally based on the presumed meaning of the individual world. To use his argument, if language were a conscious thing, human speech patterns would always be precise and would never relay on simile, metaphor or any other form of literary device. Instead, in essence, he is arguing that because language to create imagery that is not a specific reflection of the exact meaning of what is said, it is a subconscious action. Likewise then, if the use of language is subconscious and not dependent on a specific meaning when a word is chosen, Wittgenstein’s argument can easily be developed to explain that the use of words or even the development of an answer is not necessarily a conscious thing. Think of it as a sort of language autopilot. Our subconscious mind understands what is being discussed and how to respond to it before the conscious mind has a chance to understand the nature of the question. Therefore, the subconscious mind can formulate a response and begin it before the conscious mind starts to speak. In the event that the conscious mind disrupts the process and inserts its own words, the subconscious mind can send it a message that says, ‘What I meant to say was†¦.† c) James claims that intending to say something is or provides an anticipation or premonition (=knowledge in advance) of the words I will say or think. Do Wittgenstein’s remarks in section. 187-192 show that James is laboring under some misunderstanding about this? Explain. Wittgenstein’s remarks indicate that James is misunderstanding the functioning of the mind by calling the natural process of communication between the conscious and subconscious premonition. He would argue that the act of speech is a sort of subconscious act, with only specific forms of speech coming from the conscious mind. If both parts of the mind are working in proper harmony, the subconscious can formulate and plan a response long before the conscious mind can even think about it. However, this is not a self-premonition or anything as supernatural as James might be implying. Instead, it is a factor of the understanding of the human brain and how it works. Since the body cannot, by definition, understand the workings of the subconscious, we simply must accept that these incidences occur when the subconscious works more rapidly than the conscious mind.   Wittgenstein argues that this is not a premonition, but simply evidence that the mind works much faster than we appreciate. 2.) P. F. Strawson writes: States or experiences†¦owe their identity as particulars to the identity of the person whose states and experiences they are. From this it follows immediately that if they can be identified as particular states and experiences at all, they must be possessed†¦in such a way that it is logically impossible that a particular state or experience in fact possessed by someone should have been possessed by anyone else. The requirements of identity rule out logical transferability of ownership. [Individuals, p. 97] (a) Briefly describe Wittgenstein’s treatment of the idea that â€Å"another person can’t have my pains† in Philosophical Investigations Section 253. (Describe the aims and strategy of his remarks.)[ Wittgenstein disagrees with Strawson, with a tongue-in-cheek sarcasm to illustrate that in the event of Siamese twins, two people could share the exact same pain. Ultimately, though his goal is to demonstrate that identity is not as important to the identification of pain as far as location and intensity. Whether a person has the exact same headache that you are having is not nearly as relevant as the fact that they have had a headache in the past and can therefore commiserate with the pain that you are feeling.   In essence, he is arguing that the sameness of the pain is also irrelevant. When discussing the human condition, it is more important to draw parallels between like circumstances than to throw up semi-rational boundaries such as the identifiers that Strawson used. While it may technically, maybe, be impossible for more than one other person to feel the exact same pain that you are feeling, in the human nature of inexact speech we often use the phrase â€Å"same pain† to indicate that we have been in similar circumstances. Drawing unnecessary barriers by pointing out that our individuality will affect the way that we feel pain does nothing to promote a greater understanding of pain, the nature of the individual, the nature of empathy or the human condition. If Strawson were attempting to define the uniqueness of the individual, his commentary might have been relevant, but in a discussion about the nature of pain, it is divisive and irrelevant. The point is to discuss the sameness of the human condition in that while we may have different understandings of pain, we can interrelate via the concept of pain. For example, two women with menstrual cramps may not be experiencing the same intensity of pain or even the same location, but they can relate based on the similar circumstance. (b) Do observations like those in his PhilosophicalRemarks *2 account for all the ways we use the expression (same) pain?] Wittgenstein’s examples via Philosophical Remarks perhaps do not go far enough in disavowing Strawson’s claims, but he does make a good start. By arguing that the criteria of identifying the sameness of pain involves location and intensity as criteria rather than identity of the person feeling the pain, Wittgenstein effectively argues that Strawson’s claim is false. What he fails to discuss are the non-physical sources of pain and whether they can be the same pain or if Strawson is closer to the mark when using inaccurate language to describe emotional trauma. But here too, if Wittgenstein had desired, he could argue that Strawson’s claim is fundamentally flawed. Again, we go first to the example of identical twins that are raised together. Though there might be some differences in their emotional makeup, for the most part, they are going to feel emotional pain in the same way. But even if we forgo the genetic aspect ad simply discuss emotion as an end result of experience, it seems ludicrous to assume that each of the six billion people on the planet will have experienced life in a completely unique way and will therefore never have the same pain as another person. (c) Push Wittgenstein’s investigation one step further. We say things like this: â€Å"I had two bad headaches today: one in the morning and one in the afternoon†. What are â€Å"criteria† for sameness and difference in such cases? The primary criteria for sameness and difference in this case would be the location of the headache and its intensity. For example, a tension headache might begin at the base of the spine and radiate upward, a sinus headache might begin just below the eyes and a migraine might be a throbbing in the temples. Each can be described as a bad headache depending on the severity and each is unique in its location. However, often people who are prone to headaches will have them in the same location and are given to saying, â€Å"I had that same headache again† to indicate to the listeners that this is a recurring problem in the same location with the same intensity. When language is used precisely, this is an inexact statement, but if the primary purpose of language is to convey meaning to the listener, this can be a much simpler way of saying â€Å"I have a headache again in the same spot as I did yesterday and it hurts the same amount.† Much like with the other discussion, Wittgenstein seems to be challenging his fellow philosophers regarding their choice and use of the language. Because the language itself is inexact, making a claim simply based on the language usage is invalid. (d) Do these cases vindicate Strawson? I do not believe these issues vindicate Strawson at all. It appears that he was doing exact what Wittgenstein was trying to warn against: he was using an imprecise example of language to erect a barrier to human empathy that need not exist. Generally speaking, when a person uses the phrases, â€Å"I feel your pain† it is to indicate that I have been in a similar circumstance and have felt pain because of it. As such, I can empathize with your pain. However, people simply do not talk that way and to expect them to do so is illogical. Therefore, Wittgenstein rebukes Strawson, fairly gently, trying to make him understand that the same is not always the same.   It makes perfect sense when you consider the propensity in English to use the phrase â€Å"exactly the same†. Though sameness implies that two things are alike, we have learned to differentiate between things that are similar and thus the same in casual conversation and things that are identical.

degenerate characteristics of dracula :: essays research papers

Degenerate Characters of Dracula In the novel, Dracula, Bram Stoker puts together a variety of characters with several characteristics that are unique and somewhat alike in many ways. One way that some of the characters are similar is that they show signs of being a degenerate. A degenerate is a person who has sunk below a former or normal condition and lost normal or higher qualities. These people most likely have mentally and sometimes physically become deteriorated to the point where they no longer can think and function as a normal person would. Two characters in the novel that stand out as degenerates are Dracula and Renfield. Both are degenerates in their own ways and also have characteristics that are in some ways the same. They follow most of the traits that degenerates contain and portray it throughout the novel. The best way to imagine a degenerate person would be to think of people on death roe in prison. The ones that aren’t remorseful for what they did, and could care less about what others think. They do not know what is right from wrong, and even if one tried to explain it to them, they couldn’t figure it out. Degenerates have no common sense, let alone a functioning brain. They are most definitely missing a few screws in there heads. These two characters of Dracula and Renfield both have a lot of these traits that degenerates consist of. Dracula most definitely contains degenerate characteristics throughout the novel. He has a lack of compassion for people’s well being, and has signs of selfishness. Vampires fit under the degenerate theme very well. How he became a vampire we are not sure, although Van Helsing calls him King-Vampire, because of his consistency and power driven obsessions towards his cravings. His powers include a wide range of abilities in which some are beyond the powers of the other vampires or immortal people in the novel. Degenerates are predestined to crime and don’t know why it is wrong. Van Helsing wrote of Dracula by saying, "The Count is a criminal and of criminal type. Nordau and Lombroso would so classify him, and qua criminal he is of imperfectly formed mind" (Stoker chapter 28). With all his killings and bites he proceeds on people, Dracula fights the degenerate theme. Renfield as well has qualities and characteristics of degenerates throughout the novel. Renfield was taken under the care of Dr. degenerate characteristics of dracula :: essays research papers Degenerate Characters of Dracula In the novel, Dracula, Bram Stoker puts together a variety of characters with several characteristics that are unique and somewhat alike in many ways. One way that some of the characters are similar is that they show signs of being a degenerate. A degenerate is a person who has sunk below a former or normal condition and lost normal or higher qualities. These people most likely have mentally and sometimes physically become deteriorated to the point where they no longer can think and function as a normal person would. Two characters in the novel that stand out as degenerates are Dracula and Renfield. Both are degenerates in their own ways and also have characteristics that are in some ways the same. They follow most of the traits that degenerates contain and portray it throughout the novel. The best way to imagine a degenerate person would be to think of people on death roe in prison. The ones that aren’t remorseful for what they did, and could care less about what others think. They do not know what is right from wrong, and even if one tried to explain it to them, they couldn’t figure it out. Degenerates have no common sense, let alone a functioning brain. They are most definitely missing a few screws in there heads. These two characters of Dracula and Renfield both have a lot of these traits that degenerates consist of. Dracula most definitely contains degenerate characteristics throughout the novel. He has a lack of compassion for people’s well being, and has signs of selfishness. Vampires fit under the degenerate theme very well. How he became a vampire we are not sure, although Van Helsing calls him King-Vampire, because of his consistency and power driven obsessions towards his cravings. His powers include a wide range of abilities in which some are beyond the powers of the other vampires or immortal people in the novel. Degenerates are predestined to crime and don’t know why it is wrong. Van Helsing wrote of Dracula by saying, "The Count is a criminal and of criminal type. Nordau and Lombroso would so classify him, and qua criminal he is of imperfectly formed mind" (Stoker chapter 28). With all his killings and bites he proceeds on people, Dracula fights the degenerate theme. Renfield as well has qualities and characteristics of degenerates throughout the novel. Renfield was taken under the care of Dr.

Retailing Sector in Malaysia Essay

Retailing is a commercial transaction in which a buyer intends to consume the good or services through personal, family or household use. Retailers are business firms engaged in offering goods and services directly to consumers. In Malaysia, the supervision of the wholesale and retail sector falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA) through the Committee on Wholesale and Retail Trade. The Committee was set up in 1995 to regulate and supervise the industry, including foreign participation in the sector. Approval from the Committee is needed for foreign companies wanting to set up wholesale or retail operations locally and for the opening and relocation of branches. FIC and MDTCA show flexibility on the shareholder structure. But exceptions are examined on a case by case basis. The other conditions on foreign investment in the industry include: †¢Incorporation of their wholesale and retail operations locally †¢Minimum capital requirements of Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 1 million for specialty outlets, MYR5 million for supermarkets and MYR50 million for hypermarkets and FIC guidelines on purchase of property by Malaysians and foreign interests. Guidelines for New Hypermarkets Effective from April 2002, the government has approved a new set of guidelines for applications to open new hypermarkets in Malaysia: †¢The minimum capital requirement has increased from MYR10 million to MYR50 million. †¢Applications to build outlets should be submitted two years in advance. †¢New hypermarkets cannot be built within a 3.5 kilometer radius of a housing area or a city center. †¢Operations should be free-standing, which means hypermarkets must operate in their own buildings and not as part of any other complexes. †¢A socio-economic impact study has to be conducted by the local authorities in the proposed area before any application is considered. The cost of the study would be borne by the applicants. †¢Applications will only be considered for locations with a population of 350,000 or higher. †¢Floor space should not be less than 8,000 square meters and a counter must be set up in every 1,000 square meters. Challenges Ahead in the Retail Industry Globalization Most Malaysian retailers are not geared up to meet the challenges of the effects of globalization in Asian countries. They have inadequate resources and insufficient knowledge to compete with International powerhouses. The meager financial resources and the inability to withstand the deflationary pressure of the market have put the local retail operators in a fix, whether to downsize, merge or exit the industry. Trade Liberalization Asean  Free Trade Area (AFTA) allows local retailers to source for merchandises from countries such as Thailand and Indonesia. They do not have to rely on local distributors who have been imposing strict credit terms and trading conditions on them since the Asian financial crisis. On the other hand, regional trade liberalization poses great threats to small and medium-size retailers in Malaysia. They include provision shops, sundry shops and mini-markets. Without the resources and bargaining power to source for cheaper food products in the region, these retailers will not be able to withstand the full impact of AFTA. They may be forced to close down eventually.

Higher education Essay

The percentage of young adults learning in institutions of higher education in both Wales and England has dramatically increased over the years. In fact, comparing the 2004/05 figures to those of the 1960s, this percentage has increased by almost seven times. The increase in the number of young people pursuing higher education has been simulated in several parts of the world. For instance, in Australia, students’ population enrolling in institutions of higher education has significantly increased by more than fifty percent between the years 1996 and 2005. although there are several factors influencing the increase in the number of young people opting to pursue higher education, the main factor that has been attributed to the increasing figures is the relationship between future careers of the young people and the degrees being studied at the colleges (Brooks, Rachel and Glyn Everett, para 2). Significance of degree to one’s career It is generally acknowledged that most of the world’s economies in particular the western ones, are increasingly becoming based more on communication, information and knowledge and not on other factors such as physical production. This has indeed led to the coining of the knowledge economy term. If nations are to participate effectively in the world’s economy that is largely driven by knowledge, they have to continuously develop a workforce that is highly educated. Such a workforce is in fact perceived as a crucial component for prosperity in the future. As a result corporations have over the years placed more emphasis on hiring people with the right knowledge and information. A great percentage of such skills are obtained from the institutions of higher learning. Since the virtually all the young adults are seeking to be employed in these organizations in future, they have no alternative but to seek higher education (Gedye, Sharon, Elizabeth Fender and Brian Chalkley, para 4). The workplace of the modern world is also increasingly becoming subject to several changes. On the part of the labour force, this basically means higher propensity of making many turns in one’s career as well as making many career adjustments. In virtually all professions, it is generally anticipated that the job’s nature will undergo major changes. In order to fight effectively for various employment opportunities in a labour market that is highly dynamic, graduates have to be well equipped with flexibility, skills, adaptability, intellect and knowledge. Lasting learning skills have become very significant in careers because graduates of the current century do not anticipate for careers or jobs which are static. These competencies responsible for determining one’s ability to pursue a career in the 21st century are mainly obtained from the institutions of higher learning, therefore explaining the importance of the degrees in one’s future career opportunities (Gedye, Sharon, Elizabeth Fender and Brian Chalkley, para 4). In most cases, the first degree is the minimum level of qualification needed for someone to get into a good employment and career. Even though some of the major requirements of several careers are not offered by the institutions of higher learning, it is difficult for an individual to get into an organisation and serve in a certain position without the basic academic requirement, the first degree. Depending on the organisation, the young graduates are then expected to learn certain competencies within the organisation that will assist them working productively in the organisation. All the competencies acquired due to working in a certain organisation are only expected to add weight to the knowledge and skills possessed by the employee because of having acquired a degree from the institutions of higher learning (Brooks, Rachel and Glyn Everett, para 10). The growth in part time and temporal forms of employment among young graduates can be well explained by behavioural alterations and not any structural shifts in either demand or supply. These forms of jobs may be brought about by certain deliberate graduates’ choices. Such options arise either because such jobs are perceived to be suitable investment opportunities or due to the fact that they represent increased levels of flexibility and freedom to the young graduates. Therefore, what may be viewed as a trap of career for the low level employees is capable of presenting something quite different for the graduates who are more educated. Pursuing higher education is thus perceived by the young people as a great chance of having a successful and a fulfilling career in a high ranking organisation. The young people also perceive acquiring degrees as a great opportunity of having careers that are flexible and well paying. Higher education is therefore very important while struggling to work in a certain field. Without, this form of education, it is almost impossible for the young people to convince employers that they are capable of working productively in their organisations (Brooks, Rachel and Glyn Everett, para 16). Higher education with the United Kingdom and other places across the world has an increasing responsibility inclined towards prospects of employment for the graduates, as this class of individuals start acting as customers. Due to the high costs incurred by students as well as their families in acquiring higher education, students seek pursuing courses that will eventually lead them to high paying careers. One’s career has a great significance on an individual’s social status. Most of the careers bringing such effects can only be acquired through studying certain courses in institutions of higher learning. There is therefore a great connection between the degrees students are pursuing at the universities and the careers they will pursue later in life (Gedye, Sharon, Elizabeth Fender and Brian Chalkley, para 6). In several governments such as that of United Kingdom, there is significant emphasis on creation of employment opportunities based on priorities of higher education qualifications. Institutions of higher learning are expected to improve, monitor and evaluate their guidance, careers, education and information in ways indicating high performance and quality. In fact, in UK, starting from the year 2000, these institutions are required to provide data concerning employment of the students who have recently graduated from such institutions. Such data is then used in monitoring the relevance of the degrees offered in these institutions and the qualifications needed by the labour market. This is due to the fact that it is expected that once the students pursue higher education, they should be absorbed by the labour market because they have the right qualifications. Therefore, if this is not the case, it is deemed that these institutions are not playing their role effectively (Gedye, Sharon, Elizabeth Fender and Brian Chalkley, para 8). According to the study that was carried out by Gedye, Sharon, Elizabeth Fender and Brian Chalkley, para 20, in which they sought to know why most graduates and undergraduates seek higher learning, it is evident that they have career as the main driving force. Most of the graduate and undergraduate respondents who were interviewed by these researchers said that they pursue their degrees in order to improve their career and job prospects. According to these students, employers look for young graduates who have pursued certain degrees in institutions of higher learning and thus they have to obtain the minimum academic requirements from these institutions in order to secure a good job or career in future. Degrees are therefore very important for students as they seek for ways of improving their careers in future. The students are aware that most of the competencies and skills searched by employers cannot be obtained through the formal education. However, they know that the skills and competencies obtained from the institutions of higher learning provide a sound base upon which the skills and competencies needed by employers can be developed. Conclusion Higher education remains the single most significant component of career improvement. It is for this reason enrolment of young people into these institutions has increased considerably over the years. Higher education provides students with the needed skills and competencies of pursuing their dream careers. The modern workplaces demand employees to be highly competent, productive and dynamic. These are skills that are much emphasised in the institutions of higher education. As a result, employers have a very high propensity of employing graduates as opposed to hiring individuals who have not attained the minimum basic requirements for good employment opportunities. The nature of today’s job opportunities is highly flexible and dynamic, since most graduates posses these abilities, they are able to fit well in today’s workplaces.

An analysis of Portias speech with regards to the essential differences between mercy and justice in the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

An analysis of Portias speech with regards to the essential differences between mercy and justice in the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. Mercy is compassionate treatment, while justice is the administration of law. Justice may not necessary include mercy.Mercy is natural. Portia says that the "quality of mercy is not strained", it is not a forced effort but something that one already possesses. Mercy cannot be forced by anyone; it is something that one must come up within himself. Like how "gentle rain" cannot be created artificially, it is sincere.Mercy also benefits the merciful. Portia says that "earth power doth then show likest God's when mercy seasons justice", implying that man can only become like God when he is merciful.Mercy is something that is powerful. Portia says, "scepter[s] shows the force of temporal power...but mercy is above this sceptered sway", symbolizing that mercy is more powerful than mere symbols of earthly power, i.e. the crown and the scepter.Mercy is forgiving. Portia points out that God is merciful, and forgives us for our sins, and "in the course of justice none of us should see salvatio n".Antonio reproaching Shylock (characters from Willi...Only with the mercy of God would they be delivered.Mercy is reciprocal, and "twice blest", bringing good tidings to both "him that gives and him that takes".Portia says that mercy is divine, as it "droppeth...from heaven" and "an attribute to God himself". Mercy is a heavenly quality, a sacred virtue and he who has this characteristic becomes "likest God". It is like "gentle rain from heaven".Mercy is fair treatment to others. For example, the Duke asks Shylock to "forgive a moiety of the principal", sympathising with Antonio as he has lost money in his wrecked investments.Justice is strict and condemning, as the place where justice is practised is described as the "strict court of Venice". Portia asks Shylock to "mitigate...thy plea", exemplifying how justice is indeed harsh.Justice is...

Carlsbad Cavern Descriptive Essay Essay Example

Carlsbad Cavern Descriptive Essay Essay Example Carlsbad Cavern Descriptive Essay Essay Carlsbad Cavern Descriptive Essay Essay Carlsbad Caverns The family trip to Carlsbad Cavern was a fascinating experience. The sights the smells just the overall experience was mind blowing. I don’t think I will ever experience such an amazing summer! The overall size caverns were mind boggling. Whenever we first got there we all got into a huge elevator and descended some 15 stories into the Earth. The moment you walk into these caves it feels as if you just left earth and stepped on another planet. As we were walking with our tour guide he was describing some parts of the cavern roof was over a football field in the air. In some of the deeper parts of the caves there were these gigantic columns that would put any man made structure to shame! The air of the caverns felt almost as if you were in the forests of the Amazon; the air was thick and sticky. You could tell that the air had a ton of moisture in it. Being down there you had to really watch your step, because the ground and the rocks were covered in a thick residue of a gooey substance. It was reminded me of walking on an ice rink. Being down there introduced my nose to so many different smells that I had never experienced in my life. The smell of guano was definitely one of them smells. Guano covered everything, because of the millions of bats that hung from the ceiling. Guano had a very sharp, penetrating smell. Guano smells almost of rotten fruit. Besides the guano the caverns were covered in an odor of old was there. The smell you get from an unopened book is what it reminded me of. Above everything the sounds of the caverns is what really astonished me. Imagine millions of little wings flapping right above your head and you can never pin point the sound or tell how close any of them are. Along with the bats there was a huge river that cut through the center of the caves that are constantly cutting deeper into the Earth. Out of all the natural sounds of the caves the loudest were defiantly the hundreds if not thousands of people oohing, awing, and snapping pictures. Hundreds of families yelling at their kids and squeezing on to winding stair cases and walking miles was definitely a trip onto itself! To this day I still thank my parents for an amazing summer trip that I will never forget. One day I plan on taking my wife and kids on a trip just like that one hopefully they have an experience like I had. If ever in the Land of Enchantment the Carlsbad Caverns are a must see. You will not be disappointed!

How to Increase Your Happiness by Giving Gifts

How to Increase Your Happiness by Giving Gifts I saw a post on Facebook this week from a mom who is advocating that all families get inexpensive gifts for their children so that kids with less aren’t â€Å"heartbroken.† I’m no social economist, but I’m pretty sure if this mom got her way, it would not be good for the global economy. And, while I’m also not a huge fan of conspicuous consumption and I’d like to see everyone getting meaningful gifts for their children, something struck me as â€Å"off† about trying to protect poor children from the pain of seeing other children get big fancy gifts. Isn’t it more important that we all appreciate the value of the gifts we are given? And that we put care into the gifts we give? Studies have shown that giving gifts is a source of happiness even more than receiving them. As reported by Harvard-trained researcher Shawn Achor in his Success Magazine article, â€Å"How (And Why) To Give The Perfect Gift,† â€Å"people who are constantly giving to their families and friends are significantly happier than those who are not.† Regardless of the gift, says Achor, it’s the thoughtfulness that counts- not only for the receiver, but for the giver too. Increasing the anticipation and time put into gift choice and, when applicable, gift creation, gives more joy to the person giving! Even if the recipient doesn’t appreciate the gift as much as the giver desired, the giver has had weeks or months of joy leading up the moment of giving. That’s worth a lot. Choosing the Right Gift I’m in a leadership group where we throw birthday parties for every member of the group and purchase gifts for the birthday boy or girl. The process of choosing a gift is always enlightening. We want it to be something they’ll enjoy, that they wouldn’t get for themselves, and that they won’t throw in the corner and never use. We prefer not to default to Amazon gift cards since we want to show that thought was put into the gift- even if the person has been in our group for only a week! To jump start the process, we get a list from the recipient of things they would want, and we collaborate from there. Gifts have included energy healing sessions, movie popcorn machines, shirts and ties, cologne, and tickets to Disney World. Without fail, the gifts we give hit the mark and we all get to watch birthday person’s excitement when they discover what we’ve given them. When we know people well, it’s usually easy to choose a gift that will light them up, whether that’s something we make by hand, a computer-generated photo album, or an expensive electronic gadget (drone anyone?) I recently discovered the â€Å"subscription-box† option where you can give someone a monthly box of something they will love! In particular, BetterBox seems like a thoughtful choice: a service which delivers monthly boxes with themes like gratitude, creativity, better sleep, and paying it forward. What a great gift for someone who can use incentive for self-care or slowing down! If are close to someone, you’ll probably be able to find the perfect box subscription for them- and it will last all year! Creating Satisfaction There are all kinds of ways to make gift-giving satisfying and joy-inducing for everyone involved. Choosing a charity to give money too has become another popular, and fulfilling, option. One thing’s for sure: Throwing money at a last-minute gift won’t produce a lot of joy- while regardless of cost, a thoughtful gift will bring light to both the giver’s and the recipient’s lives. To the mom on Facebook, I say this: Instead of trying to limit the types of gifts other people give to their kids, how about starting a campaign for all of us to be thoughtful about our gifts, and to value thoughtfulness over price tag, no matter what our budget? Now that would be a cause I could support with gusto.

Organisational development and human resource management Essay

Organisational development and human resource management - Essay Example The acquisition of other similar industries would enable them to expand their activities and reach a wider variety of customers. The developments of an organization along with the management of their human resources are vital methods in ensuring that an organization achieves its set objectives2. The organizations ability of reaching a wider market would greatly have assisted in augmenting their profitability while enabling them to carry out their activities more effectively3. The article stipulates the main objective of Templeton Hardware as making its presence felt in the market through them becoming the retailer that leads in the provision of all al fresco items. Under the leadership of their CEO, the company goes on to acquire ownership of several companies that include the caravan manufacturers known as ‘The Great Outdoors’ and soon rename it to ‘Templeton caravans’. The company also acquires another firm that is known as the ‘Lodestone Landscapes’ at around the same period. Both businesses that are acquired by the company were formerly owned privately by certain families though the former company controlled business enterprises that had long been established. The latter was a contract operator and was established much later than the outdoors company. Lodestone landscaper, the first company to become franchised, had an additional fifty franchises that were located in New Zealand along with Australia and was also a participant in the country’s stock exchange4. The CEO mistakenly relocated all lodestone landscaper’s offices and rebranded them with their name by calling them ‘Templeton Landscape Solutions’. The employees of the company were however offered their jobs but ended up leaving the company. The employees in the other company that had also been acquired by the CEO also quit after the acquisition was

Management Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 2

Management Information Systems - Essay Example otably, Samsung is one of the main title sponsors of the NBA where it is the official handset, tablet, and TV provider for the NBA, WNBA, and NBA D-League (Lefton, 2013). The sponsorship covers the United States, Canada, and Mexico where the company is a major commitment for advertising with the NBA’s TV rights holders (Lefton, 2013). Most assuredly, Samsung is a publicly held corporation that depends on management information systems in the competitive mobile phone and electronics industry. People, information, and information technology help Samsung Incorporated to remain competitive in industry. Based in South Korea, Samsung Electronics Company is an electronics giant electronics company with branches across the globe. People have helped the company to remain competitive in the industry. Indeed, the company uses international celebrities like Didier Drogba to market its products. This helps the football fraternity to associate with the company’s products. Moreover, individual executive members foster the competitive advantage of the company by making timely and effective decisions like the decision to detach Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) operations from Samsung Incorporated for purposes of separating successful business chains in the market with the company’s main operations. The company also hires top class engineers to design its products. The individual efforts led to an increase of 5.1% in market shares (Sang-Hun, 2012). On the other hand, the company uses advanced technologies in its operations to enhance its competitive advantage. Indeed, the consistent use of modern technology in the company fostered the development and design of high quality and appealing products like smartphones. Moreover, the new technology enabled the management of the capacity of resources required in the production process. With these technological aspects, Samsung recorded in its share price (Sang-Hun, 2012). The company has been using technologies that enhance clarity,

The way of duty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The way of duty - Essay Example Women are the ones that suffered the most by losing their loved ones during the American Revolution period since they were to be left alone to take care of both those who were fighting and also the family that remained at home As portrayed, in ‘The Way of Duty’, it was a time to practice their loyalty and patriotism to their country. Women were also to step up and take charge of all the family responsibilities while their men were away. Just like in the case of Mary, women lost their loved ones to diseases and some ended up being alone but they knew very well that losing hope was not an option. Life was to continue. Women were the ones that were much concerned and worried about what would happen to those in the fields. They involved them in prayers trusting and believing that all will be well. Most women became spiritual in the sense that they were to make ends meet.2 Women were the ones to endure broken marriages and separations not to mention tem being not in a position to enjoy their conjugal rights. Men were taken to different places as militia during the Revolution era and thus never were they close to their wives. Men who showed interest in politics were kidnapped and jailed for a significant number of days that will end up being even a year long. And when they were released men couldn’t help since they were ever in fear that they would be recaptured thus reducing their productivity. 3 Women had to take care of the rest of the family and persevere the pain of the struggle. They became the bread winners. They were to manage the farms so as to see that food was brought on the table. This was even made worse when their husbands, who were captured in the line of duty, to get their job benefits were turned down. If it happened that their husband were working in the public service and lost or couldn’t account for the money at their disposal this were to be taken in as debts

Balancing school work while maintaining full time employment with Essay

Balancing school work while maintaining full time employment with Wellpoint - Essay Example Now we should distribute the remaining 9 hours. It is quiet important to set clear priorities and outline a strict schedule. Workload is different in different semesters, but nonetheless, it would be better not to delay the tasks. On average for the beginning of the learning process 3-4 hours (for example, 6:15 pm-9:15 pm) a day may be a sufficient term. Most likely it engages in the evening (for example, Tuesdays and Thursdays) that unfortunately will affect the efficiency of employment, but to work a little every day is much easier than to deal with the whole information during twenty-four hours. This time on Monday, Wednesday, Fridays, plus weekends we use for revising the material. Of the remaining hours, two of them will be spent on â€Å"work-home† way and the associated shopping. If you do not cook at home, then 1.5-2 hours will be enough for taking meals. Half an hour will be taken for the procedures which you could not refuse in any case, for example, taking shower. The rest hours will be used for the family needs and force majeure during the week. So, the week time would be divided nearly like

Ryan Air case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ryan Air case study - Essay Example This antagonism caused criticism from the industry tarnished the image of the organisation (Using TOWS Matrix, 2009; Case Study). The threat of substitute transportation and the entry of other competitors who could deliver better the gaps that Ryan Air left behind, along with its failure to rectify its weak spots and problematic areas could propel the company to face some serious problems in the future. But then again, the continuous expansion of EU and the burgeoning of the budget sector seeking low cost services provided excellent opportunities for further expansion and rapid growth. Using Porter’s Five Forces, the rivalry within the industry is very high. This is characterized by the number of competitors servicing the same market within EU with easyJet, AirBerlin, Aer Lingus, FlyBe among others not to mention the long haul carriers (Appendix). On the other hand, both the threat of potential entrants and the threat of substitutes are within the medium range. Barrier to entry is high because of the low cost strategy but switching cost of the customers is low. Terrorism threat which required stricter rules in airport which resulted to additional inconveniences could drive customers to switch to trains while the rising popularity of low fuel consumption cars posed as substitute threats to airlines with short haul service (Case Study). The bargaining power of buyers is on the medium scale as switching cost is low. Because of the size of the market, customers could also easily choose which type of service to avail depending on needs and preferences. At the other end, the bargaining power of suppliers’ ranges from medium to high depending on given scenario. It is especially high with regard to fuel suppliers as petroleum prices are dictated by the world market (Hunger and Wheelen, 1996). Ryan Air’s competitive positioning was based on capturing a segment of the market, focusing on it with a strong

Balancing school work while maintaining full time employment with Essay

Balancing school work while maintaining full time employment with Wellpoint - Essay Example Now we should distribute the remaining 9 hours. It is quiet important to set clear priorities and outline a strict schedule. Workload is different in different semesters, but nonetheless, it would be better not to delay the tasks. On average for the beginning of the learning process 3-4 hours (for example, 6:15 pm-9:15 pm) a day may be a sufficient term. Most likely it engages in the evening (for example, Tuesdays and Thursdays) that unfortunately will affect the efficiency of employment, but to work a little every day is much easier than to deal with the whole information during twenty-four hours. This time on Monday, Wednesday, Fridays, plus weekends we use for revising the material. Of the remaining hours, two of them will be spent on â€Å"work-home† way and the associated shopping. If you do not cook at home, then 1.5-2 hours will be enough for taking meals. Half an hour will be taken for the procedures which you could not refuse in any case, for example, taking shower. The rest hours will be used for the family needs and force majeure during the week. So, the week time would be divided nearly like

Preparing for Terrorism and Disasters in the new age of Health Care Research Paper

Preparing for Terrorism and Disasters in the new age of Health Care - Research Paper Example imilar in their occurrences that pay no regard to national borders and, therefore, no country or community is immune from terrorism and disasters, not even the perpetrators of terrorism themselves. However, depending on the levels and type of preparedness of governments, communities and individuals, vulnerability to terrorism and disasters vary on a wide scale (UNGA, 2012). The most obvious consequences of terrorism and disasters are the setbacks impacted on economic and social development, disruption of water and electricity supply and the crippling of communications and transportation systems. Agreeably, some countries in the developed world are sufficiently prepared to recover from these disruptions, even though the costs in terms of time and finances are considerably high. However, terrorism and disasters also present constant threats to public health, especially among older adults with conditions and disabilities that call for extra assistance, those with chronic diseases and to families with children who have special needs. More importantly, the effects are of magnitudes that surpass the affected communities’ capability to manage with their own resources (UNGA, 2012). It is critical for authorities and communities to plan how they will respond to these vulnerable groups when stricken with terrorism or disasters. Among the preparedness measures is taking care of medication and equipment, notifying health professionals and moving to special shelters. This paper will research and discuss on the topic of preparing for terrorism and disasters in the new age of health care. The presence of threats to public health cannot be doubted, as is manifested in nuclear, natural, terrorist, biological, radiological and chemical incidents. Apart from the traditional causes of health problems which are mainly diseases, terrorist attacks and disasters compound the effects of the complexity of the threats. The impacts these events have on a nation’s well-being are more

Typography and Persuasive Essay Essay Example for Free

Typography and Persuasive Essay Essay A. Write a persuasive essay on: People depend too much on computers. B. Audience: Your college professor C. Position: For or against it? D. Composing your three page persuasive essay: 1. Introduction A. Hook B. Thesis 2. Body (several paragraphs) A. Topic sentence B. Supporting Details C. Transitions 3. Conclusion (a paragraph) A. Restate your main point B. Leave the reader with something to think about Nowadays people use computers in business, public services, education and, most of all, in entertainment. Almost everything we do and every aspect of our life is affected by modern technology with computers above all.   People Depend Too Much on Computers and Technology A. Write a persuasive essay on: People depend too much on computers. B. Audience: Your college professor C. Position: For or against it? D. Composing your three page persuasive essay: 1. Introduction A. Hook B. Thesis 2. Body (several paragraphs) A. Topic sentence B. Supporting Details C. Transitions 3. Conclusion (a paragraph) A. Restate your main point B. Leave the reader with something to think about Nowadays people use computers in business, public services, education and, most of all, in entertainment. Almost everything we do and every aspect of our life is affected by modern technology with computers above all.  People Depend Too Much on Computers and Technology A. Write a persuasive essay on: People depend too much on computers. B. Audience: Your college professor C. Position: For or against it? D. Composing your three page persuasive essay: 1. Introduction A. Hook B. Thesis 2. Body (several paragraphs) A. Topic sentence B. Supporting Details C. Transitions 3. Conclusion (a paragraph) A. Restate your main point B. Leave the reader with something to think about Nowadays people use computers in business, public services, education and, most of all, in entertainment. Almost everything we do and every aspect of  our life is affected by modern technology with computers above all.  People Depend Too Much on Computers and Technology

Strategic Management And Leadership Skills

Strategic Management And Leadership Skills Initial part of this report emphasizes on relationship between leadership and strategic management and how can organization get benefited using this dual combination. Organizations are using these concepts in improving organization performance and communication. Leadership styles such as Autocratic, laissez-fare and Participative also supporting leaders achieving organizational objective efficiently which ultimately result into successful accomplishment of organizational goal. Later part of this report stresses on various leadership theories (Transformational, Transactional, Charismatic, Situational etc) which companies are now implementing in order to refine their organizational process using innovation, flexibility, involvement, effective communication, authorization, contingent rewards and management by exception concepts. Apple is successfully using different leadership theories in order to systemize their processes. Lastly this report inculcates the future of leadership concept in business context and how companies can implement these concepts in order sustain and survive in the marketplace. Introduction Effective leadership helps business in times of peril. It makes the organization successful. Without leadership, organizations lose their way and face stagnancy. Organization give more stress on correctness, completeness and timeliness of work but leadership actually work upon it by different means of effective implementations. Leader stimulates the behavior of employees through proper motivation and gets the work done. A good leader is one who is capable of making a weak business plan success on the other hand a poor leader can devastate even the best plan. In short, leader can make or break the business. (Mills.D.Q., 2005) For example, Winston Churchill has a deep insight as well as foresight. He was futuristic and visionary. It is evident from the fact that he warned his fellow Englishman about the upcoming threat from the Hitlers army. However, most Englishman ignored his warning and felt that instead of involving in war Hitlers army would be pacified so that war could be avoided. Further, they resented Chuchill for his proactive warning. They did not show faith in his leadership. The resultant of this was that the Englishman had to fight a war with the German army. Had the Englishman been listened to Churchills warning they would have been in advantageous position which did not happen. After that incident Churchill was praised for his vision, pro-activeness, and foresight. During the Second World War he became the Prime Minster of England and people of England accepted his leadership (Mills.D.Q., 2005). Another wonderful example of Leadership is Harley-Davidsons Rich Teerlink. During the period of 1980s the USA based motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson had to face stiff competition from its Japanese counterpart such as Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki. The company was almost outmaneuvered by the competition on every aspect. In order to be in the competition it needed to change and change significantly. Rich Teerlink somehow managed to keep the company financially sound but a lot of other things were simply not in place. The company faced a daunting challenge to improve its systems and procedure along with product innovation to stay in the market. Rich accepted this challenge and completely changed the internal dynamics of the company. He formed a bottom up (from employees to manager) organization rather than top down (from managers to employees). This move helped the organization in understanding the problems faced by organization quickly and hence it helped the company in solving them quickly as well. During the course of the time this leadership approach of Rich built stronger organization than it was earlier. The employees were motivated and more confident to contribute towardss organizations success (Mills.D.Q.2005). In the ideal organization, the top level the leadership should stay close to the ground. (Barth, R. 1993-94) 1. Understand the relationship between strategic management and leadership. 1.1 Explain the link between strategic management and leadership Strategic Management- Strategic Management includes evaluating strategic objectives and aims, enhancing organizational performance, communicating and implementing change, developing the performance of the teams, strategic decision making. Leadership- It is a process by which one person influences the thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors of others. Leaders set a direction for the rest of us; they help us see what lies ahead; they help us visualize what we might achieve; they encourage us and inspire us. (Mill, D.Q. 2005) Leadership is understanding people and involving them to help you do a job. That takes all of the good characteristics, like integrity, dedication of purpose, selflessness, knowledge, skill, implacability, as well as determination not to accept failure. ( Burke, A. 2005) Relationship The word management reflects terms such as efficiency, planning, paperwork, procedures, regulations, control and consistency on the other hand Leadership is associated with the terms like risk taking, dynamic, creative, change and vision. As per some researchers, Leadership is value-laden activity and management is not, Leadership stress in doing the right things whereas management believe in doing things right (Bennis, 1985; Zaleznik, 1983). Leadership and management complement each other, and both are vital to organizational success. The issue of Leadership versus management takes the middle-of-the-road position. They are considered closely related but possess distinguishable functions. This can be easily understood with help of figure 1-1. This figure shows that Leadership and management are two over-lapping functions. Management and leadership complement each other and a person who is a manager should be a leader committed to the customers, employees, suppliers and the community at large. (Testa, 2001) Apple Incs Steve Jobs is a perfect example of Leadership and Management. Although, Steve Jobs was a co-founder of Apple Computer but got fired as CEO once at the age of 30. In 1997, he returned back in the company as CEO, and started leading the company. When he realized that Apply was losing market share and finding it difficult to fight with Microsoft, he decided to reinvent every product of Apple offered, and gave a boost to their employees with a most powerful tool of leadership momentum and managed the whole situation successfully. He understood the essentials of leadership and management and accordingly built such environment wherein each and every employee developed hence, drove the entire groups efforts towards the accomplishment of goals. He got his employees so accustomed to change that they expect it now. Renovating again and again has become a line of attack for Apple Inc. such as Apple iPod, Nano, iPod Mini, Shuffle, iPod Video etc. Steve Jobs accustomed his employees to change and innovation in such a way that if one day he could walk into Apple proclaim that they are planning to make washing machines then nobody would think hed have lost his mind rather his employees would jointly say, Guide us the way, boss and tell us how to fabricate best washing machines anybody so far made. Leadership and globalization In order to stay ahead in this competitive environment it is very important for any organization to take necessary steps to face both domestic and foreign competition effectively. Organizations should start focusing on global framework for strategic marketing, planning, and operations. Recent development in various aspects such as transportation technologies for electronic data interchange, global communications, international marketing, finance and management, resources planning etc have improved the potential of organizations to operate globally in this aggressive environment. To sustain in this global environment each and every organization needs to have focused global vision and knowledge of various cultures, customs and methods wherein they to function. They also have to understand different regulatory and legal arrangements and aspects of countries in which they intend to operate. 1.2 Analyze the impact of management and leadership styles on strategic decisions. There are various styles of leadership and management which have an impact on strategic decision of any organization. Leaders uses all these styles, depending on combination of their beliefs, values and preferences, what forces are involved, the situation, organization culture, norms etc. The three major styles of leadership are (U.S. Army Handbook, 1973) which are as follows:- 1.2.1 Autocratic / Authoritarian style In this style decision-making authority is with the leader. In this style opinions and suggestions from subordinates are not entertained. 1.2.2 Delegative / Laissez-faire / Free reign style In democratic leadership style decision are taken with the help of suggestion and opinions of group of employees, such as any instruction is given after consulting with the employees. 1.2.3 Participative / Democratic style- In this style, liberty is given to employees while doing any task e.g. leaders give freedom to deciding their own methods and policies. 1.3 Evaluate how leadership styles can be adapted to different situations Autocratic style can be used with new employees as they are in a learning stage. The new employees will feel motivated while learning new skills. Participative style can be used where leader is aware of the problem but dont have all relevant information on the other hand employees are well-versed with their work and want to participate in organizational decisions. Delegative style can be used where employees know their work more than leader thus has to take ownership of work. This generally allow leader to easily perform other task. There is no set pattern to follow and use these leadership styles. A good leader adopts all three styles together as per the situation arises. These styles play a very significant role in strategic decision making of an organization. With the effective use of these styles group can achieve its objective efficiently which ultimately result into successful accomplishment of organizational goal. For organizational success, leadership is considered prerequisite therefore it is prominent for all types of organizational structure (Khaleelee Woolf, 1996). Organizational variables like, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and communication are the most significant factors of organizational effectiveness (Lashchinger, 2001) and performance (Riketta, 2002; Kramer, 1999; Angle, 1981). According to some researchers, there is a strong connection between turnover and organizational variables like job satisfaction, organizational commitment and communication (Benkhoff, 1997; Baugh Roberts, 1994). For instance, when employees are not satisfied with their work and look forward for other opportunities in order to quit and dont get opportunities then they generally quit the organization mentally therefore it depicts that job satisfaction, organizational commitment and communication are quite essential while assessing the overall contribution of employees towards the organization. Leadership and organizational variables are highly correlated (Williams Hazer, 1986; Lok Crawford, 1999; 2001). Therefore, with the effective and sensible utilization of Leadership styles, organization can motivate and inspire its employee to large extent in order to achieve organization objective. 2. Apply management and leadership theory to support organizational direction. 2.1 Review the impact that selected theories of management and leadership have on organizational strategy. 2.1.1 Transformational Leadership Transactional leadership occurs when one person takes the initiative in making contact with others for the purpose of an exchange of valued things. Burns (1978) There are four components of transformational leadership, which are: Charisma or idealized influence Charismatic leaders exhibit assurance and conviction, they take stands and persuade their followers on an emotional level. Robust trust is maintained among followers and leaders which are usually built on the foundation of moral and ethical. These leaders are the Role models for their followers. Inspirational motivation These leaders demonstrate clear vision to motivate the followers using inspirational and appealing concepts and theories. Intellectual stimulation These leaders promote their followers for creative things and emphasize on building connection with the organization, employees and the objectives. They also encourage them to discover new opportunities and different ways of doing things. Individualized consideration or individualized attention These leaders understand followers needs and address them properly. They also acknowledge the contribution of followers in the team and always act as a mentor. They foster caring relationships; transformational leaders keep healthy environment so that followers feel free to impart their ideas and opinions so that their unique contributions can be recognized. 2.1.2 Transformational leadership Transformational leadership occurs when one or more persons engage with others in such a way that leaders and followers raise one another to higher levels of motivation and morality. Burns (1978) Contingent Reward Transformational leaders clearly assign the work which is to be accomplished and give reward when results are achieved. Management by Exception Passive: In case of intolerable performance or deviation in required standard, transformational leaders take corrective measures or give punishment. Active: In order to complete the assigned work as per required standards in stipulated time, transformational leaders actively monitors the whole process and uses different methods. Laissez-Faire Leadership Laissez-faire leaders leave so much responsibility over their subordinates; they engage themselves in paperwork and try to avoid argumentative situation. They dont help them in decision making activity and leave them isolated to handle situations independently since they want to keep good relation with everybody. 2.2 Leadership strategy that supports organizational direction. APPLE Inc. Case Study- Leadership Apple Inc. is a USA based multinational company which operates in the domain of IT and computers and was founded by Steve Jobs. The company is famous for its products such as Makintosh, iPod, and iPad. The company also has its own operating system. Apples products have revolutionized the market of computers with recent iPad 2 being the talk of the market. The company under the leadership of Steve Jobs has shown aggressive product innovation to lead in the market and kept competitors at bay. The leadership traits of Steve Jobs are widely acknowledged around the globe. Even at the time when he was on medical leave to fight his cancer he used to give strategic advice to the top level management of the company. This attitude of Jobs was a great source of inspiration for the employees of the organization. He created self belief in his employees and that is the reason that he has given the responsibility of the business development to Tim Cook (current COO). Steve Jobs is known for his transformational leadership style that he implemented in Apple Inc. Like a transformational leader he was a firm believer of the fact that transforming others to help each other, to look out for each other as a source of knowledge and motivation, to be encouraging and harmonious, and to look out for the organization as a whole are the factors important for the success of organization. The vision of Steve Jobs to provide computers as a tool to change the world attracted him many of the global talents. The basic traits of the leadership style of Steve Jobs are mentioned below: 1. Focus 2. Innovation 3. Passion 4. Involvement, and 5. Effective communication The focus and passion for innovation are one of the primary reasons for Apples success. Steve Jobs induced this feeling in employees through effective communication that innovation is the difference between the leader and the follower. The success of this philosophy could easily be understood by the fact that Mac, iPhone, iPod, and iPad all these products changed the dynamics of the computer world with competitors left out with no option but to follow. During the visit of PARC Research center Steve jobs got an idea that mouse-driven graphical user interface is a future of computing (Bennis Biederman, 1997), The failure of Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) (due to lack of transactional leadership) was the reason of Apple success. Steve jobs did what Bob Taylor could not do i.e. creation of Transactional leadership style. Through Transactional leadership style, he created the systems and structures at all the levels of his organization. Through this Steve became successful in generating knowledge at every level within the organization so that employees can work unanimously with single frame of mind for organization success, keeping the vision of the company enacts. And the result of this was Apple Mackintosh. By looking at the Apples success under the brilliance and leadership of Steve Jobs it can be said that transformational leadership theory and transactional leadership theory provide a foundation for understanding how leaders impact the cultivation of knowledge (Bass, 1985; Conger Kanungo, 1998; House, 1977; House Aditya, 1997). Conger (1999) recently argued that researchers should continue developing transformational and charismatic leadership theory and doing exploratory research in this area. Exploring the role of leadership styles in converting knowledge into competitive advantages is important to our understanding of leaders and organization. 3. Access and Development of Leadership Requirement As businesses have entered into the new millennium therefore extensive concentration and observation would be needed to identifying the competencies, ability, skills and knowledge of manager/leader of twenty-first century (Greenberg, 1998; Shapiro, 1999; Kaydo, 2000; Dimitrijevic and Engel, 2002; Kacena, 2002). Future managers will need to posses both managerial and leadership attributes like tangible, measurable skills and intangible, soft-skills. Tangible skills includes knowledge of concepts, styles, theories, financial procedure etc on the hand intangible skills consist of assurance, adaptability, flexibility, commitment, vision etc. In order to sustain in the competitive environment every organizations should provide learning to their employees, which could be in terms of different management/leadership development programs and approaches therefore they should introduce productive sessions to widen their root, emotionally, conceptually, theoretically and environmentally with the intention to increase their analytical capabilities; to facilitate sellf-awareness (Byrt, 1989:14). These activities will educate the managers whilst process of management and will simultaneously improve the efficacy in a work place (Jones, Ball and Shellens, 1972:6). Organizations should develop in-house programs for employees that transmit knowledge which is significant for their success. Such formal management/leadership education programmes offer beneficial skills to future managers/leaders including introspection skills, interpersonal skills, resource allocation, leadership, information processing, conflict resolution, decision-making, entrepreneurial, (Watson, 1993:17). Future leaders will need to be acquainted with international and global environment so that they can do business effectively and efficiently. Leaders required to be well prepared for external complexities of business (e.g., managing the companys interface with regulations, trade, political, and media groups etc and several other wide ranges of issues)(Cacioppe, 1998). 4. Conclusion Leadership skills can be developed through basically two methods. First, self-help e.g. viewing events from multiple perspectives or learning from mistakes, second, formal learning through developmental activities e.g. training courses, developmental assessment, job rotation, seminars, self-directed learning, executive coaching, companies own universities, action learning, and partnership with key academics and mentoring. In-house programs will help developing because of their experiential (practical) learning base. They are generally based effective organizational, leadership and successful self-management leadership competencies e.g. thinking and acting strategically, emotional intelligence, social intelligence, ability to learn, systems thinking. Leadership development programs and sessions help participants to become emotionally intelligent leaders, who are passionate and competent builders of a productive, supportive and enjoyable work environment. It will assist both current leaders and potential leaders to develop their leadership attributes further. Leadership skills can be developed through basically two methods. First, self-help e.g. viewing events from multiple perspectives or learning from mistakes, second, formal learning through developmental activities e.g. training courses, developmental assessment, job rotation, seminars, self-directed learning, executive coaching, companies own universities, action learning, and partnership with key academics and mentoring. Future leaders will need to be acquainted with international and global environment so that they can do business effectively and efficiently. As explained above Apple is extremely successful by implementing leadership theories in the organization. In order to sustain in the competitive environment every organizations should provide learning to their employees, which could be in terms of different management/leadership development programs and approaches therefore they should introduce productive sessions to widen their root, emotionally, conceptually.

Caught by a Computer :: Personal Narrative Cheating Papers

Caught by a Computer As I sat in his office, sweat dripped off my long brown bangs onto my light blue collared button-down shirt. It was not because I was nervous, it was because it was the end of April and unseasonably warm in Charlottesville, Virginia. I was there, in my professor’s office, in my mind, because he wanted to get caught up with me about my future plans after graduation. He was curious about my plans for the summer, plans for my fiancà © and I, and plans for my career as a high school teacher at the public school in my hometown, Mclean, Virginia. I was alone in his office, waiting for Dr. Bloomfield to show up to his office for our casual meeting scheduled for 3:30 that afternoon. The heat was becoming unbearable. The University of Virginia’s century old buildings on the quad were not air conditioned, and I was beginning to wish that I had paid the extra tuition to have them installed. I sat in his small dimly lit office, becoming impatient because it was nearing four oà ¢â‚¬â„¢clock. I began to notice the pictures that cluttered Dr. Bloomfield’s overrun office. Pictures of his wife, his twin daughters, who appeared to be roughly the same age as I, and his younger son, in his early teen years, sat atop stacks of periodicals and yet to be graded finals. I noticed my final research paper on the top of the stack. This seemed odd; however I guessed he only wanted to discuss it while we met, as foreclosure to the popular Intro. To Physics class for upperclassmen of his that I was enrolled in, as it was our final assignment. I was distracted once again by the array of pictures throughout his undeservedly small office. Among these were more pictures of his boat, his bay house on the Chesapeake Bay, and his chocolate lab Mocha, whom I was familiar with at this point due to several stories he shared in class. Dr. Bloomfield was a family man whom I had gained great respect for over the years. My aspirations for what I wanted my life to turn out like ve ry closely replicated his own life. Sitting alone in his office gave me time to think about what I wanted to become, who I wanted to marry, how many kids I wanted to have and so on.

Asian Literature Essay

Asia, the world’s largest continent, expands from the area formerly known as the U.S.S.R. to the Bering Strait and as far south as the Indian Ocean. Scholars limit the areas of Asia to focus predominantly on the Eastern Asian area in regard to Asian American literary guidelines. Asian American literature allows a further exploration of the past and traditional Asian philosophies like Confucianism and Buddhism. Asian American literature also provides a voice to a culture generally ignored allowing Asian American authors to dispel stereotypes and explain cultural traditions. Asian American literature contains numerous originating nationalities, religions, languages, and philosophies for a monolithic philosophical definition. Asian Philosophy The basis of Eastern Asian philosophy finds roots in the principle of awareness of the relationship between all things and events. This principle explains the idea of the concept of the unification of an individual with the universe or a sense of oneness. Eastern philosophy encompasses the principles of Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Taoism. Buddhists believe in the principle of the Middle Way or to seek moderation and avoid self-indulgence or extravagance (Ling, n.d.). Buddhists accept the impermanence of nature and an interconnection of all things. Confucianism encompasses the principles of personal and governmental morality, appropriateness of social relationships, sincerity, and justice (Ling, n.d.). Hinduism in India and Taoism in China are two other philosophies reigning from Eastern Asia. Hinduism expresses a belief in the idea of the Absolute. This principle explains the accepted human reality as an illusion because the spirit lives infinitely. Hinduism preaches the idea of meditation to connect with the environment and reach self-realization. Taoism expresses the principle of Nature. Taoists believe the principle of Nature flows throughout life and connects all things (Ling, n.d.). Taoists seek to find harmony with Nature to find a happy and virtuous life. Limited exposure to Asian philosophy in America through literature cause a stereotypical and limited opinion of Asian American culture and philosophy. Typically Americans find exposure to Asian and Asian American culture and philosophy through movies and television shows creating specific stereotypes of Asian culture. The inadequate availability of Asian and Asian American literature in the United States to explain the principles of the Asian philosophies Asian Americans believe does not provide a strong voice in the Asian American community for change. The literature available explains the experience of Asian Americans in the United States. Asian Literature The experiences of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans in modern society typify Asian American literature. Scholars generally recognized Asian American literature written beginning in the 1970s as part of the Asian American canon. Asian American literature depicts the immigrant experience in America and in later generation assimilation. Asian American literature illustrates how language created stereotypes difficult to overcome. Asian American literature also explores the feelings of Asian Americans living in internment camps during WWII and how Asian Americans incorporate Asian culture with American culture to fit into the American cultural scheme. In the essay â€Å"Mother Tongue† by Amy Tan explains how all people speak in different languages and the subsequent categorization based on speech. Tan explains the different types of English she uses to write and the kind of English she uses when she speak with her mother. When Tan speaks to her mother she speaks broken English so that her mother understands rather than grammatically correct English. â€Å"I heard myself saying this: not waste money that way,† (Wong, 1996, p. 40). Tan explains she uses this type of English when speaking with her family even though her mother understands more English than speaking in a broken up pattern denotes. Tan later says, â€Å"When I was growing up, my mother’s â€Å"limited† English limited my perception of her,† (Wong, 1996, p. 43). Tan explains how in generally American’s view Asians who speak with fractured English as limited in knowledge or intelligence and how she herself was a victim of viewing her own mother through this stereotype. Tan uses the experience of her Asian mother to explain cultural racism in America and how English as her second language speakers makes daily communications difficult. In â€Å"No Name Woman† by Maxine Hong Kingston explains how a Chinese mother explained life lessons and warnings to her children through the same stories she grew up being told. The mother in the story tells a bloody tale of a woman who disgraced herself by becoming pregnant and how the villagers destroyed the woman’s belongings and the family’s home as well as killing animals and taking items to bless themselves after cleansing the house. The story ends with the pregnant woman killing herself and her baby and is never mentioned by the family again as if she never existed. â€Å"Don’t let your father know I that I told you. He denies her. Now that you have started to menstruate, what happened to her could happen to you. Don’t humiliate us,† (Maxine Hong Kingston, n.d., para. 9). Kingston’s mother embraces traditional storytelling from over the top examples to discourage behavior in the younger generations. Garrett Hongo’s â€Å"Kubota† tells the story of Hongo’s grandfather and how after the attacks on Pearl Harbor by Japan he and his family feared for their lives. Hongo’s grandfather, a Japanese American citizen, gathered for questioning by the FBI because of being part Japanese. It did not matter that he was born an American citizen as were the other Japanese Americans gathered it only mattered that he was Asian. â€Å"Many of these men–it was exclusively the Japanese American men suspected of ties to Japan who were initially rounded up–did not see their families again for over four years,† (Hongo, 1995, para. 7). Hongo explores the political prejudices endured by Japanese American’s during the war and how this treatment changed people. Hongo explained, â€Å"I am Kubota’s eldest grandchild, and I remember him as a lonely, habitually silent old man who lived with us in our home near Los Angeles for most of my childhood a nd adolescence,† (Hongo, 1995, para. 8). Conclusion Asian American literature encompasses the philosophical and cultural traditions of the area in Asia known as Eastern Asia. The generally accepted principle throughout different Asian philosophies is self-actualization and oneness with the nature. In the United States Asian immigrants struggled to find work and cultural identity while assimilating to American culture. Often Americans stereotype older Asian Americans as not intelligent because of a fractured way of speaking English rather than speaking with proper grammar. Asians in America faced political racism during the war Asian Americans loyalty came into question because of the physical appearance of Asian descent. Asian American literature includes the colorful and dramatic storytelling style of Asian culture when explaining the importance of accepting and continuing traditional Asian values to younger Asian American generations.

India on its way to become manufacturing hub

India as WorldS Manufacturing Hub For long, Taiwan and China have been at the outsourcing manufacturing boom in Asia. So much so, that 80% of toys sold in the US are made in China. But things are slowly working in favor of India. India is on its way to become a major contract manufacturing hub. There is a huge opportunity In manufacturing waiting to be tapped. A new India Is transiting from a third world country status to a league of developed nations. It Is the world's third-largest repository for foreign direct investment (FDA), after China and America. Goldman Sash's Report (Brazil, Russia,India, and China – BRICE major players), projects India as a potential winner ahead of China and would overtake U. S. A. And China by 2025 in terms of Real GAP. India- Past & Present The ass's, ass's and ear ass's: There was dominance of Public Sector across industry. The market was mainly governed by sellers with limited competition. There existed closed Economy with negligible presence of multinationals. GAP growth was below 4% (Hindu rate of growth) and primarily agriculture based. India post 1991 and counting: 100% FDA in most sectors has seen Pepsi, Coke, Shell, Ford, GM.Suzuki.. Toyota, Ames, Citibank, GE, Microsoft, Pfizer, Innovation, ASK, Merck operation in India (availability of world class products). A new India is transiting from a third world country status too league of developed nations. Current Scenario: Indian's manufacturing sector Is gaining momentum and has been ranked fourth In terms of textiles, tenth in leather and leather products etc. Government of India, to promote exports and make India a manufacturing hub, has taken various initiatives including the development of Special Economic Zones.Major global companies have already invested in India to name a few like Samsung, LAG, Suzuki, Soda Auto, Philips re among the some who have already invested and most of the global giants have stated the process to enter In India STRENGTH: The country has become a manufacturing outsourcing destination because of cheap labor, talented and knowledgeable workforce, supportive governmental policies, improved quality control measures, world-class technology and consistent economic growth. The most promising sectors for India are auto components, pharmaceuticals, electronic hardware, apparel, foot ware, toys and specially chemicals.Cost of employing engineers – essential to manufacturing services – is en-third to one-fifth lower in India than in industrialized nations such as the UK and the US There is adequate availability of manpower and skills. WEAKNESS: India is growing by leaps and bounds but there is a major problem of unemployment. There is an immediate need to generate 10 million Jobs per year. And above all, due to multi party rule, India need to accommodate political ideology with economic reality (reservation, labor law reforms). Growth has been urban centric.Rigidity in labor laws is also contributing to higher ca pital intensive. Population increase of about 100 million in last 5 years, which has seen about 50 lion new Jobs, is largely in the unrecognized sector. Transaction costs are high due to capacity constraints at ports resulting in delays. Opportunities: India has become a growth destination for several global companies. Organizations are becoming increasingly competitive on the efficiency and flexibility of their supply chains and not merely on their product features and quality.They have realized that being technology driven and updated is the key to compete in the global market. Fastest growing sectors: Automotive: The Indian automobile sector currently generates revenues of $34 billion a year; Auto sector could grow to $145 billion by 2016. India has gradually become a sourcing hub for auto companies worldwide. Among the companies outsourcing from India are General Motors, Ford, Daimler Chrysler, Handy, Fiat, Toyota, Delphi, Invariants, Visited, Cummins and Caterpillar.Healthcare & Pharmacy: Indian's Pharmacy market ranks 4th in the world in volume and 13th in domestic consumption value. Indian pharmacy market estimated at US$ 3. 8 billion ranks 12th in value terms and accounts for around 1% of the global market. Expected to grow at 12-14% p. A. , as against the global average of 6-8%. At the current pace of growth, IIS$ 2 billion industry by 2012. Construction: The Indian construction industry grew by 5. 5 % to reach a value of $35 billion in 2006. The sector will continue to grow at a CARR of 6. 5% to reach $38 billion by 20011 representing an increase of 35. % since 2004. India accounts for 4. 7% of the Asia- Pacific construction and engineering market. Retail: Indian retail industry ranked second most attractive retail destination by AT Carney. The total domestic retail market is currently estimated to be over IIS$ 330 billion and is growing at a rate of 4-6 % in real terms. Organized sector accounts for Just 2 % of he market (I. E. IIS$ 4 billion)- expe cted to grow four-fold to IIS$ 15 billion by 2012. There are 12 million retail outlets in India out of which 9 lack are in the organized sector.Computer hardware: The rapid growth of software exports has attracted thousands of people into the industry and has stimulated the demand for computers. Sales of personal computers rose by 20% in 2004-05, to MN. Import liberation's and the entry of foreign manufacturers has transformed this industry, which, until five years ago, was tiny and dominated by a few Indian manufacturers. The ease of importing components as nurtured hundreds of unbranded assemblers, which command 62% of the market. Biotechnology: Huge potential from large base of skilled technical personal and the lower costs.Number of biotechnology firms in India has increased exponentially over the years. Developing biotech based therapeutic products takes 10-15 years and costs $ 500 million to $1 billion. Similar product development cost in India is $ 250 million or even lower. Opportunity for new investments is estimated to be in the $ 1. 5 to $ 2 billion range. Food processing: India – One of the largest food producers of the world. Output of the organized segment – IIS$ 34,827 million. Marine and Spices together contribute more than 70% of export earnings. Investment requirement is around IIS$ 15 billion.The Indian scientific and research talent – a knowledge source that can be tapped for advantage. Steel: India produced 31. Mm tones of crude steel in 2004-05, making it one of the ten largest steel producers in the world. Landscapes demand from China as well as strong domestic demand, particularly by consumer -durables and automotive manufacturers and the construction sector are the key drivers of production growth. Around 40% of output is produced in integrated steel plants; the remaining comes from mint-plants, of which over 180 exist, almost all in the private sector.Light Engineering: The size of Indian Light Engineering industr y is estimated at US $ 7 billion. In India, the light engineering industry has a diverse industrial base with significant unrecognized market. The exports from the light engineering industry in India mainly consists of structured steel products; motorcycles, cycles and auto components; machine tools; fans, filters and pumps; and metal machine tool parts. The products veered under the engineering industry are largely used as input to the capital goods industry. Textiles: Textiles account for around one -fifth of total export earnings.Because the government discriminated for decades against integrated textile mills, with the aim of helping cottage handloom, most mills closed down. Production in the textile industry is based on a decentralized system with continuing small-scale reservation for many items. The industry has a natural competitive advantage in terms of a strong and large multi-fiber base, abundant cheap skilled labor and presence cross the entire value chain of the industr y ranging from spinning and weaving to the final manufacture of garments. Threat: India faces competition from other developing countries, especially China.Continuous Quality Improvement is need of the hour as there are different demand patterns all over the world. Presence of Quota system leads to rigidity in Export Demand. International labor and Environmental Laws do not strike trade-off between demand and supply. Power crises and the virtuous growth cycling manufacturing sector needs immediate attention. Large informal sector, poor irking condition and low wages pose equal threat to the growth of economy in India. Inclusion of social (Labor) issues in trade dialogues generally found in exports (e. G. Child labor). High corruption and inadequate environmental safety norms affect sustainability. INDIAN'S PROSPECTS: The nations who are competitive with India are facing some or the other predicaments. Brazil is uncomfortable with force inflows and so has given its manufacturing base . Its reluctance was evident in the imposition of a 2 per cent transaction tax on capital flows. Russia is a basket case and unless oil recovers to tuning heights, internal demand is unlikely to resurface any time soon; hence, it has very little potential to attract firms to set up shop.China is not a trusted partner; investors have learnt that China makes it easy to get in but difficult to operate. The lack of protection of hard-earned PR is a major issue in China. Restrictions on borrowing from local banks for working capital can also work as a disadvantage. Reason for optimism of the world towards Indian market: Large intellectual capital base Annual additions to the stock of science and engineering graduates Demand side – Expanding domestic market Total number of households to increase from 188. 2 million in 2001-02 to 221. Million by 2009-10 Benefits to Indian people due to the changing industrial scenario: Enterprises In Wealth Creation Government In Revenue And Employm ent Employees In Development And Increase In Standard Of Living Customers – Value For Money (Choice, Affordability And Speed) From an Indian industry perspective, the emerging situation may drive three trends. Within the next year or two, India should witness growth in demand and hence capacity in manufacturing. The driver will be higher internal demand and, in a short while, the needs of customers overseas.In three or five years, India will have to develop contract manufacturing skills. A supplier must be able to make the components he or she is good at, source components and parts, assemble and test to deliver directly to the manufacturer. This cannot happen in China as the reliability of many firms, except those that have moved with their partners form Singapore or Malaysia, is suspect. In the long term, Indian manufacturers will have to develop and build, design and development partnerships. Many entrepreneurs are considering investments in small power plants to beat the lack of electricity.

Is Modern Art Really Art? Essay

Dead animals, elephant dung, unmade beds and rice all seem like everyday objects but should we be calling them art? When we were growing up we were taught that art was a beautiful painting – like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, or a perfect sculpture of a human – like Michelangelo’s David, but we were never really taught that conceptual and contemporary art were ‘proper’ forms of art, even though it was established in the sixties. It made us think and challenge our own assumptions of what art should really look like. People didn’t understand the idea of cows cut in half (Damien Hirst), wire mesh lockers (Mona Hatoum), rubble (Richard Long) or rubbish (Tomoko Takahashi) being called art unless you could frame it nicely on your living room wall. The fact that this type of art didn’t fit neatly into people’s ideas of what art should be was the reason it was called ‘conceptual’. Conceptual and contemporary art got a huge reaction out of people because they felt conned and marginally embarrassed when, for example, they looked at Martin Creed’s light going on and off and ‘didn’t get it’. They didn’t like the fact that they couldn’t work out the true meaning of what the artist was trying to get across. It also got a reaction for another reason which was the simplicity of some of the ‘art’. I’m sure that when all the people who were working long hours every week looked at the well-paid artist Tracey Emin’s unmade bed they were desperately screaming to themselves, â€Å"BUT I COULD DO THAT!† and thinking whether conceptual art is even worth looking at. Maybe some of us are completely missing the point they are trying to get across. Maybe instead of drowning in the depression of how easy, and perhaps pointless, the art is we should be fresh-eyed and open minded and celebrate the fact that these ideas and possibilites have been opened for us. Maybe that’s the point. This art definitely has originality and shock value. Artists don’t want to  repeat whats been done before in the same way no one wants to hear old jokes. Their use of new technology adds to the quality of some of their work. Using a computer isn’t a cop-out of drawing, it’s just another tool. The originality and shock value go hand-in-hand and afterall, aren’t those the two things we want when we look at art? We as viewers don’t want to stand there looking at something so bland, tasteless and overrated; If we wanted that then we could just as easily stick a slice of bread on the wall and call that art. The artists look for new challenges and ways for us to see their art. This type of art makes us challenge ourselves to find beauty in the everyday things in life. My opinion of Modern Art is a very balanced one because even though some of the examples of conceptual and contemporary art are sometimes ridiculous, they also challenge you to find the true meaning of what it stands for. The shock factor aswell hypnotizes us and keeps our attention locked on the beauty of the art. One thing that fascinates me though is that if artist Chris Ofili paints with elephant dung he is seen as a Turner Prize winning genius, but if I tried to paint with elephant dung would I be seen as an artistic genius? Probably not.